Formation Commission

Formation Commission

Vision: "Be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God---what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2)

Purpose: To shape the environment at St. Barnabas for the intentional teaching, learning, and development of Christians for life in the world and the Kingdom of God.

Dear guests and members,

Peace be with you. As your Formation Commissioner, I want to welcome you to this section of the site.

Christian formation is something different from secular education. It is theosis---the journey to holiness. It is the process by which all that we are is consecrated to God, conformed to the image of Christ, and made a dwelling-place for the Holy Spirit. The journey may not be easy, but God is with us as we walk. That's what the word "Emmanuel"---"God with us," another name for Jesus---means.

At St. Barnabas' Church, no matter where you are in your walk---even if you're not sure that the walk is for you!---we have a program to support you. Adult Christian Training offers a range of specific subjects for you to pick and choose according to your interests. We also offer Education for Ministry (EfM), a four-year program that trains adults in the Bible, church history, and theology.

Children and youth receive support in their journey as well. Our program for ages three to 12, the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, is a place of prayer and celebration that prepares children for life in the church. Junior High and Senior High Sunday School, which together comprise the Youth Group, combine fellowship with thoughtful, age-appropriate programming, including an annual mission trip.

Should you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact the St. Barnabas office at 630-469-1394. Enjoy looking around. See what we have to offer. Then join us.

In Christ,

Formation Commissioner

Programs overseen by the Commission include:

Nursery
Children from infants to age three are welcome in our nursery where they will be cared for and engaged by our experienced nursery attendant.

For Children
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a unique approach to the spiritual formation of children ages three to 12. This program is rooted in the Bible, the liturgy of the church, and the educational principles of Maria Montessori and is a place of prayer and celebration. Anyone interested in learning more about the Catechesis may visit the website, www.cgsusa.org.

Deacon Judy Schmidt (right), a founding member of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at St. Barnabas, works with a few of the children in the Catechesis program.

Youth
Sunday morning classes on the Bible and Christianity for Jr. High and Sr. High students are at 9:30 in the Youth Room.

A combined youth group meets every Sunday night from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and at other times for special events. This group focuses on learning what it means to be a Christian, building relationships and having fun.

Adults
Adult Christian Training (ACT) – our Sunday-morning program which meets at 9:30 in the George Herbert room. We cover a range of topics. Some recent offerings: C. S. Lewis' Four Loves, Close Encounters with Jesus in the Gospel of John, Christianity and Pop Culture, and Anglican Divines of the 17th century.

Education for Ministry – a four-year program that trains adults in the Bible, church history, and theology.

Lenten Series – Every year during Lent we offer a Wednesday evening series to strengthen our discipleship. Recent series have covered the shape of the liturgy and how it shapes us for hospitality and evangelism, C. S. Lewis’ Screwtape Letters, and The Seven Last Words of Jesus engaged through music.

We also regularly host guest speakers. In the last year or so we have heard from:

Dr. Andrew (AKMA) Adam on the Da Vinci Code

Dr. Beth Newman on Untamed Hospitality

The Rev. Martin L. Smith on The Jesus Prayer

Rodney Clapp on Johnny Cash and the Great American Contradiction

The Rev. Ian Mobsby on The Trinity and the Emerging Church